Defending champion Victoria Azarenka is expecting a warm reception at the Australian Open despite controversy at last year's tournament.

The Belarusian had faced claims of gamesmanship in her semi-final against Sloane Stephens, taking a medical timeout after struggling to see out victory.

Victoria Azarenka (AP Photo)

Azarenka was met with jeers before and during her final against Li Na, but the animosity did not prevent the 24-year-old from winning consecutive titles on the Rod Laver Arena.

Her trophy presentation was met with a far warmer reception from the crowd and, while she admits the incident lingered throughout 2013, is hoping to be well received.

She told The Age: "It just kept coming back with the same questions, and I am happy to answer them as many times as there is, but at a certain point it's like, 'Well, why do you ask them if there's already an answer, and there has already been a discussion about it?'

"It's been raised so much compared to other stuff that happened to other players, and I felt like I was the one who caught the biggest bullets for just a misunderstanding when nobody gives the benefit of doubt, and to other players there has been such a big room for their mistakes."

On receiving a warm welcome this year, she added: "'I hope so. I hope they will be happy, because I felt like after the win they were so excited to see the final, because it was a beautiful final, we had a great match where there was a lot of excitement, a lot of good tennis, a lot of drama, as well.

"'I'm just so excited every year to go there and just to play there and compete. It's always been amazing and the last two years have been incredible for me, so I definitely want to keep that feeling.

"Just every time I go there, on that court, is going to be special for me, no matter what happens."